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ENDORSEMENTS
Montana Shooting Sports Association
Hon. Danni Coffman, Flathead County District Court Judge
"It is a common refrain that voters know little to nothing about judicial candidates. It is for this reason that I am sharing my experiences with Judge Dan Wilson, candidate for the Montana Supreme Court.
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As someone who has previously appeared as an attorney before Judge Wilson, served as a substitute Justice of the Peace in his court (prior to him being elected as District Court Judge), served with him in Rotary, and now works with him as a District Court Judge in the Eleventh Judicial District, I feel uniquely qualified to offer my endorsement.
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First, I can speak to Judge Wilson’s legal acumen. When I practiced as a civil defense litigator, I did not always win in front of Judge Wilson. I did, however, always receive an intelligent, legally supported, and well-reasoned legal decision from him. Judge Wilson presided over a jury trial of mine and impressed me with his ability to quickly and correctly call balls and strikes. Now, as my colleague, I am especially appreciative of his intellect and insight. Having taken the bench only a year and a half ago, and now presiding over numerous areas of law that were outside the scope of my practice when I was an attorney, I have often sought his insight as I learn the ropes, so to speak. In addition to offering sage counsel, he has always been patient and supportive.
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Along these lines, Judge Wilson loves the law and follows the law, without ideological bias or the goal of achieving a certain outcome. Judge Wilson is analytical in the manner lawyers are trained. I have not known Judge Wilson to have an agenda of any sort, other than to uphold the rule of law and serve the public fairly.
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Finally, I have always found Judge Wilson to be supportive of women, which is important in a traditionally male dominated field. I was honored when he chose me to serve as a substitute Justice of the Peace, which offered new and interesting opportunities. He later appointed other women to this position as well.
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I will be voting for Judge Wilson for Supreme Court Justice, and I hope you will consider doing so as well."
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-- Hon. Danni Coffman
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Montana Farm Bureau Federation PAC
Montana Chamber of Commerce
"HELENA, Mont. – The Montana Chamber of Commerce endorses Broadwater County Attorney Cory Swanson for Chief Justice and Judge Dan Wilson for Associate Justice on the Montana Supreme Court.
A balanced judicial system is essential to a strong business climate. Finding information about candidates for these highly technical, non-partisan positions is often difficult. To this end, the Montana Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors decided to endorse candidates in the 2024 Supreme Court races.
A committee of legal experts, attorneys, and Montana business leaders interviewed all candidates who advanced from the June primary. The full Montana Chamber Board affirmed the interview committee’s endorsement recommendations.
“We are thankful to all Supreme Court candidates for taking the time to meet with our expert committee,” said Montana Chamber President & CEO Todd O’Hair. “Wilson and Swanson will bring grit and integrity to the Montana Supreme Court. Both candidates understand that stability in our court system and predictability in the way decisions are made are essential to the operations and success of Montana businesses.”
While all four candidates are well qualified for the positions they are seeking, the Montana Chamber identified a few key characteristics that guided the endorsement decision.
In the race for Chief Justice, the Chamber noted Cory Swanson’s breadth of experience in bringing diverse people together and leading toward a common goal, both in the legal arena and with his military experience. Swanson displays a humble judicial demeanor while emphasizing the importance of the courts. He also acknowledged the visible tension between the branches of government in Montana. He hopes to be able to ease this strain.
The Chamber is endorsing Judge Dan Wilson for Associate Justice. Wilson demonstrates a strong judicial work ethic, a meticulous approach to avoiding conflicts of interest, and is extremely thoughtful and analytical. Wilson shares the Chamber’s concern that the Montana Supreme Court appears too quick to abandon precedents, and he emphasizes the importance of stability and respect for precedent in making judicial rulings.
“It’s sometimes tough to find enough information on nonpartisan candidates to inform my vote. I appreciate the knowledge and expertise of the Montana Chamber of Commerce to endorse candidates that understand the importance of an independent judiciary and stability of our business climate,” says Tony Rosanova, President at Zoot Enterprises and Montana Chamber of Commerce Board Member.
Members of the Montana Chamber’s review committee conducted these individual interviews after the primary election in June. Candidates for each position were interviewed on the same day. Some committee members sat in only the Associate Justice or Chief Justice interviews to avoid potential conflicts of interest. The review committee met in full to finalize their endorsement; this recommendation was forwarded to the full Chamber Board for discussion and approval.
For more information on the Montana Chamber of Commerce’s decision to endorse candidates in these races, please read this editorial from President & CEO Todd O’Hair."
Montana Stockgrowers Association’s Montana Agricultural Political Action Committee (MAPA PAC)
"The Montana Stockgrowers Association’s Montana Agricultural Political Action Committee (MAPA PAC) is a non-partisan, voluntarily funded committee that supports candidates who protect and advance the interests of the agricultural and livestock industry. We are pleased to announce the following candidate endorsements. Congratulations for being selected as a champion for Montana’s ranchers. I, along with MSGA’s new Government Affairs Specialist, Ellie Brighton, look forward to working with you."
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Other State Candidates
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Supreme Court Chief Justice: Cory Swanson
Supreme Court Justice #3: Dan Wilson
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Raylee Honeycutt Ellie Brighton
Executive Vice President
Montana Stockgrowers Association
Montana Mining Association
"Dear MMA Membership,
After due consideration the Montana Mining Association Board of Directors unanimously approved at its most recent board meeting the full endorsement of Cory Swanson and Dan Wilson for their respective Montana Supreme Court races. Swanson is running for Chief Justice and Wilson is the choice for Justice, Seat No.3.
Cory Swanson, endorsed for Chief Justice, brings extensive courtroom experience and a strong commitment to upholding the rule of law. As the Broadwater County Attorney since 2014, he has successfully prosecuted numerous cases, demonstrating his dedication to justice and public safety. Swanson's background as a Colonel in the Montana Army National Guard highlights his leadership skills and ability to unite diverse interests. He is committed to ensuring that the judiciary operates fairly and consistently, which is essential for supporting Montana’s mining industry and maintaining public trust in the legal system.
Judge Dan Wilson, endorsed for Justice, Seat No.3, brings over 12 years of judicial experience and a commitment to upholding the Montana Constitution and the rule of law. As a Flathead County District Judge, he has handled a wide array of cases, demonstrating his analytical approach and respect for legal precedents. Wilson believes in providing fair and impartial decisions, which is essential for maintaining judicial stability. His dedication to common sense in legal interpretation aligns with the mining industry’s need for predictable legal rulings and a balanced approach to complex cases affecting Montana’s natural resource sectors.
Conversely, Wilson’s opponent (Katherine Bidegaray) has demonstrated herself to be a staunch opponent to responsible natural resource development in Montana and poses a significant threat to the future of our industry if elected. As a District Judge out of Richland County, Judge Bidegary has recent rulings on mining projects that have deeply concerned many of our members and disrupted critical projects in our state. In two of these most recent instances, she adopted nearly verbatim the written arguments of the environmental group plaintiffs, exhibiting an alarming lack of her own critical thinking. One of these cases was Black Butte Copper and thankfully, justice prevailed and the current Montana Supreme Court overturned her improper decision, paving the way for Montana’s first major hard rock mine in 30 years.
While less is known about Swanson’s Chief Justice opponent, Jeremiah Lynch, a 73-year-old retired federal judge out of Butte, Lynch and Bidegaray’s names have consistently appeared together in politically-funded statewide mailers, door-knocking campaigns, on the news, and in social media advertisements.
In our board’s verdict, SWANSON AND WILSON are clearly the judiciary ticket to most fairly represent responsible mining in Montana. We believe their collective victory will provide the best balance and stability for our state’s highest court."
-- Executive Director, Matt Vincent
Montana Mining Association